Fort Wayne officials give tax breaks another look

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) Officials in Fort Wayne are taking another look at their policy on property tax abatement, which some critics feel is too generous while others contend it is needed to attract businesses.

The Journal Gazette reports the Fort Wayne City Council plans to meet Tuesday to discuss how to determine which businesses should receive the tax breaks.

Tax abatements allow businesses to delay paying taxes on new investments.

The discussion was prompted by a proposal to grant tax abatement to a new dentist's office. Councilman Tom Smith says service industries such as medical offices shouldn't receive abatement.

Councilman John Crawford said abatements should be a tool to entice businesses to develop locally, not a reward for anyone who builds in Fort Wayne.

(Information in the following story is from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net)